After a week off, and fewer deliveries than normal (!) we are back with five very cool things in on test. We've got another set of Spinergy wheels, an evolution of the 'string' spoke wheels, new shoes from Specialized and a wide range 1x9 speed drivetrain from MicroSHIFT, plus more. Dig in....

• Your complete guide to the 2021 Trek mountain bike range
• Trail essentials - all the kit you need to take on a mountain bike ride
• What's best, synthetic or merino base layers?

Spinergy GX Max gravel wheelset
£829

Spinergy has just introduced the brand new GX Max wheelset (both 650B and 700c) into the range. The brand's motocross wheels have provided a host of inspiration for these new gravel hoops with the aim to create mega strong, wider wheels for extreme gravel riding. If you want to see what we think of the renowned PBO spokes (string!) spokes then check out our previous review of the narrower Spinergy GXC wheels here.

• Read more in the news story here
• www.spinergy.com

Merida Big.Trail 600
£1,500

This Merida Big.Trail 600 sits at the top of the all-new 2021 range, offering a 12-speed drivetrain, Marzocchi fork with 140mm of travel and a sleek aluminium frame with all the modern features you'd expect and a retail price of £1,500. It's a hardtail designed for riders on a budget, we took a first look at the bike last summer and now have one in on test and there's an extra bonus that our test bike comes in a rather snazzy purple colourway in 2021. 

• Read the first look here
• www.merida-bikes.com

MicroSHIFT Advent 9 speed drivetrain
£143

The 9 and 10 speed Advent drivetrains from MicroSHIFt were launched in April last year, both being budget busting and offering a wide range of gears. We have the 9 speed Advent  drivetrain on test, one that comes in either a 1x or 2x9 configuration. It's the former we'll be focusing on here, the 1x drivetrain comes with a wide ranging cassette using the following cog steps,11-13-15-18-21-24-28-34-42. In total the cassette, mech and shifter as you see it here will set you back £143.

• Read more here
•  www.microshift.com
   

Specialized 2FO DH shoes
£145

Specialized launch a new 2FO DH shoe, not long after the release of the Roost trail shoe. The new downhill focused clip and flat shoes get the updated third generation Slip Not sole and, they say, a platform for ultimate foot security. All the details are here in our news story. 

• www.specialized.com
• Read more here in our news article

Brooks Scape Handlebar roll
£110

The Scape Handlebar Roll from Brooks is designed for long distance touring as well as bikepacking races. It has a 10 to 12 litre capacity and consists of a 100% waterproof (IP64 certified) removable drybag stored in a holster that is attached to the bike. The drybag has a two sided roll closure and inside there’s two internal compartments.

The holster attaches—to both drop and straight bars—via two aluminium buckled straps. These promise to make mounting quick and reliable, while EVA spacers are included to allow easy passage of cables and a fuller grip. A double daisy chain also runs through the holster to hold bulkier items. Stuart Kerton has been filling up this roll bag for this latest adventure and his full report is coming soon…

• www.extrauk.co.uk

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